Chester Cnty. C.P. Court of Common Pleas Standard Operating Procedures G

1. It is counsel's responsibility to advise witnesses, in advance,

regarding what behavior is expected in the courtroom including compliance with

sequestration orders and not mentioning certain evidence such as insurance in a

civil case or suppressed evidence and excluded past crimes/bad acts in a criminal

case.

2. Counsel should ordinarily conduct examination of witnesses

from the lectern or while seated at counsel table. If counsel is more comfortable

standing, counsel shall stand behind the counsel table. Do not approach a witness

without specific permission. When permission is granted, please return to counsel

table when the purpose of the permission is concluded.

3. At the beginning of a witness' testimony, have the witness state

and spell their name for the court reporter's benefit.

4. Witnesses should be treated with fairness and consideration;

they should not be shouted at, ridiculed, or abused in any manner. Even tough

cross-examination can be done in a civilized and professional manner.

5. Allow the witness to finish answering before asking the next

question.

6. Witnesses and parties should be instructed to wear proper attire

to court. Shorts, tank tops, etc., are not permitted attire. Witnesses or parties not

properly attired may be excluded from the courtroom.

7. Avoid the use of argumentative questions. Keep your questions

clear and to the point.

8. If a witness was on the stand at a recess or adjournment, the

witness should be on the stand ready to proceed when court is resumed. Counsel

may not discuss a witness' testimony with the witness during a break before or

during the witness' cross examination, and must instruct such a witness not to

discuss his or her testimony with anyone else until the witness completes the

witness' testimony. Make sure that you do not run out of witnesses. If you are out

of witnesses and there is more than a brief delay, the court may determine that

counsel is resting. If there is going to be a problem with the scheduling of any

witness(es), inform the court at the pre-trial conference and at the beginning of that

day's proceedings.

9. Cell phones, pagers and like communication equipment must be

turned off in the courtroom and counsel shall so instruct those persons affiliated

with counsel's case.